Detailed study guides typically feature a comprehensive analysis of the work, including an introduction, plot summary, character analysis, discussion of themes, excerpts of published criticism, and Q&A.

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Sites with a short overview, synopsis, book report, or summary of About a Boy by Nick Hornby.

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FreeBookNotes.com is the original and largest literature study guide search engine on the web. For certain popular books, we also offer short book summaries, important quotes, analysis of themes, and ideas for essay topics or thesis statements.

FreeBookNotes.com is the original and largest literature study guide search engine on the web. For certain popular books, we also offer short book summaries, important quotes, analysis of themes, and ideas for essay topics or thesis statements.

Our Summary of About a Boy by Nick Hornby

Nick Hornby's novel 'About a Boy' is a coming of age story for two characters in the work. The first character is Will Freeman, who is thirty-six years old. The second character is twelve-year old Marcus. Will meets Marcus at a single-parents group. Will joins the group because he is initially interested in a single woman who also has commitment problems, but he ends up meeting Marcus and helping him to survive middle school. Both characters endure struggles throughout the novel, helping the other reach maturity. With this in mind, Hornby opens the novel with a problem. Marcus's mother is depressed and Marcus is struggling to navigate middle school; he is the target of bullies. The need for understanding and sympathy prompts both characters to seek help. The answer for the mother is registering for a support group; however, the answer for Marcus is befriending Will. Marcus's decision places a purpose, or a goal, on the storyline. Because Marcus's mother attempts suicide, he believes that the best answer for the situation is for her to marry Will. By the end of 'About a Boy,' Will comes to terms with his commitment issues and falls in love with another character. Marcus meets a girl and continues to learn more life lessons.

More Books by Nick Hornby

FreeBookNotes has 10 more books by Nick Hornby, with a total of 19 study guides.